Local News

With businesses like Bell’s Beer and Founders Brewing, Michigan has positioned itself as one of the top craft brewing states in the nation. Last week, the Michigan Craft Beverage Council (MCBC) launched a new website that hopes to provide support and resources to the growing industry. Luke Lyons from Earl Smith Distributing, a local company to St. Clair County said, “The new MCBC website will connect industry resources into one single point of contact which will better serve Earl Smith’s beer, wine, cider, and spirits producers and consumers.”

The website is divided into four sections: research, grow, craft, and drink. The research section has a searchable database that new makers can use to learn more about topics ranging from invasive pests that could pose a risk to hops and new grape varieties to hops production just to name a few. The “grow” part of the site shares grower news, resources, and conferences.  In the craft area, business support is the focus. It helps to connect crafters with licensing requirements and organizational partners. Crafters are really the people behind the product. Last are some wine and beer trail maps that can be located by clicking on the drink button, as well as transportation and events statewide. Locally, St. Clair County is home to hops farms like Hoppily Ever After at the southern end of the county and Harsens Island Brewery in Marysville just to name a few.

Reporting for WGRT – EBWtv

A local nurse was recently honored with the Michigan Public Health Nurse Administrator Forum’s Leadership award. Registered nurse (RN) Liz King was nominated by her co-workers for being passionate, principled, and action-oriented. She was described as a tireless public health nursing advocate, visionary, and leader. Liz is the Nursing and Community Health Director at the St. Clair County Health Department, and has been the director there for the past five years. She has been with the department for a total of 16 years. King has an Associate of Nursing Degree from St. Clair County Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree from U of M Flint. Liz oversees 50 employees and 11 different programs, and said she was honored to receive the award.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

High water levels continue to be a discussion around the area, especially for downriver communities who are demanding a state of emergency be declared at a state level. The Clay Township Board met for their regular meeting last week and one of the items discussed was the township’s high water levels. Township Supervisor, Artie Bryson, said that Clay Township sent a letter to the Governor on August 12 asking her to declare a state of emergency in the township due to high water levels. Doing so would allow the board access to federal assistance. 

Bryson said they have not heard anything back, but explained to those in attendance at the meeting that sand is currently being dredged near Russell Island by the Army Corps of Engineers. The sand is then being placed in a landfill on state-owned land on Dickinson Island.  Bryson said, with a declaration from the governor the sand could be better used in areas around Russell Island, Harsens Island, and the mainland to mitigate further water damage.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

Port Huron Schools has some “re-grand” openings this week. The Literacy Academy at Cleveland Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary School, and Garfield Elementary School have been updated with funds used from the 2016 bond that was passed by voters. On Monday at 5 p.m. there will be a ribbon-cutting at Cleveland Elementary, and on Tuesday both Roosevelt and Garfield Schools will have ribbon-cuttings at 5:45 and 6:45 pm respectively. The projects were recently completed and are part of Phase III projects of the  “Building Tomorrow, Today” 2016 bond. An open house will follow each of the ribbon cuttings with tours open to the public. Each building’s principal will be on hand to welcome those attending. The Blue Water Area Chamber of Commerce and various community leaders are hosting the event.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

Mallory Milhoan is a 12-year-old from Lakeport who is fighting quite the battle, but not without the community behind her. It began in 2016, with a diagnosis of scoliosis. At the time she only had a 34° curve, so doctors gave her a back brace and monitored the young girl. Unfortunately, the back brace was not helping as she grew and the condition only continues to get worse. Now at an 84° curve, the condition is crushing her right lung and putting other organs in the area at great risk. 

She’s not been in the fight alone, though. On November 2nd the community is putting together a fundraising masquerade ball for Mallory and her upcoming procedures. On November 22nd, Mallory will undergo her first surgery to lessen the chances of a second surgery that could paralyze her from the neck down. Organizers are asking the community to rally behind Mallory. According to an organizer, Robin Mattox, Mallory asked for a Masquerade Ball dance, she knows this might be the last chance she ever gets to attend a dance while being able to walk. Funds from the event will be used towards unpaid medical expenses. You can find more information on Facebook at the page “Mallory Milhoan’s Journey.”

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley

A few of St. Clair County’s Board of Commissioners recently attended a conference at the White House. The aim of the conference was to talk about greater cooperation between local and federal leaders. County Commissioner Board Chair, Jeff Bohm, along with commissioners Dave Rushing and Jorja Baldwin attended the event. The three county representatives had several national figures address them and other leaders in the West Wing. Among those that spoke were the Director of the National Economic Council, Larry Kudlow, Education Secretary, Betsy DeVos, and Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao.  

St. Clair County District 2 Commissioner, Jorja Baldwin said, “The speakers and panel discussions were specific to challenges almost everyone in the room faces in their own counties.”  She added that, “The question and answer period allowed them to share concerns, and most were answered with actionable advice. Baldwin felt that “with the contacts they made, [it will enable county officials] to grow their network to include federal allies to assist their office on a range of topics.”

Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith.